3 PC,s - one router

[pplir2000]

Hi Everybody,

My problem is as follows - I have 2 PC's connected to router by ethernet cable, all working ok. I am trying to add a third PC by cable, but just cannot get a connection. It's not the cable - have switched them all around to eliminate that possibility. Have tried ipconfig /renew - no joy. The network card reports that it is connected but cannot get online. All PC's are running XP Pro. Have telephoned Router help line but after repeating everything I have already done they conclude that my PC is not communicating with PC.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[wimiadmin]

Let me know what an IP address is on one of the computers that is connected and what the IP is on the PC that will not connect?

One other thing, when you say connect, do you mean see each other on the network or won't connect to the internet via the router?

[pplir2000]

Thanks for your prompt reply.My PC's are only connected to the net, I don't need to share files or printers. The connected PC's have IP address's as follows:192.168.2.2 and 3. The PC that won't connect has IP that was given to me by the router company (Belkin). 192.168.2.100. Subnet mask:255.255.255. Default Gateway:192.168.2.1 Preferred DNS server:4.2.2.2 Alternate DNS server:4.2.2.1
Hope you can help.

[wimiadmin]

The PCs that are connected, did you assign those IPs manually...if not, where did they get their IPs from?

If you assigned the others manually, you can assign the 3rd manually as well. Just give it 192.168.2.3, subnet 255.255.255.0 and gateway 192.168.2.1 also DNS can be 192.168.2.1 or whatever the other 2 computers are using for their DNS.

[pplir2000]

Hello

The IP's on the two connected PC's are assigned automatically. This option (and manually trying to assign IP's) does not work. In "Network Connections" the ethernet card reports that is is connected? I am stumped!

[wimiadmin]

So does the problem only happen on the 3rd PC?

If so, it's something with that network card or tcp/ip. From the computer that won't connect, try to ping 127.0.0.1. If you get a response, the tcp/ip is working...if no response, you'll need to reload tcp/ip.

In the router, under DHCP, make sure that more than 2 addresses are allowed to be assigned. Then on the 3rd PC, just double check to make sure everything is set to Obtain IP Automatically.

On the router, your internet feed is connected to the WAN port correct?

Perhaps you have a USB NIC or USB wireless card you can temporarily install in the 3rd PC to see if that card will connect. Then you'll know it's either the current NIC or a setting on the current NIC.

[systemslave]

Open a command window on your trouble PC (.100). Issue the command 'ping 192.168.2.1'. This should work regardless of DHCP or DNS because your machines are on the same subnet. If this works then your card works. It is kind of wierd that your dhcp pool begins at .1 . If this is a dhcp problem the ping should work and we can advise you how to fix the config.

[pplir2000]

Hi Brian,
I pinged 127.0.0.1. and it responded correctly. Immediately afterwards I pinged 198.168.2.1. as suggested by "Systenslave",it also responded correctly. After that I tried to go on-line, and guess what? IT'S WORKING!!? I can do on-line. So what fixed it? The pinging or did it just right itsel? I would like to know for future reference.
Thanks Guys!

[wimiadmin]

wow....glad it's working but that is very odd that we had the right numbers in previously with no luck.

I really can't say what corrected the issue. Perhaps DNS cache or something of that nature. Possibly reentering the numbers again and hitting ok with the NIC finally accepting the updates.

I guess it's just one of the weird computer issues.

[systemslave]

It is working but it is likely not 'fixed' because we did not change anything. It could be very handy to do some work while it is operational. I suggest you open a command window again and issue the 'ipconfig -all' command. Copy everything from the window into a file for later reference. When your computer decides not to work again (heaven forbid) you may want to compare the working info with the non-working info. We call that establishing a baseline. If you post that info (the entire output from ipconfig) here we may even be able fix it so your computer never quits. Now wouldn't that be nice?